COBB COUNTY, Ga. — A beloved principal will not return to her position at Marietta High School despite dozens of supporters speaking on her behalf at a school board meeting Tuesday night.
School district leaders moved Forrestella Taylor out of the school to a new position earlier this month.
The district appointed her district administrator for accountability and program support, but her supporters say she belongs at the school.
“Removing her from the school environment is like taking a parent away from a child,” Marietta High School teacher Dana Meyer said.
Taylor is the first African-American principal and many say she has done a great job.
Tuesday night’s meeting got intense with speakers voicing their opinions for more than an hour.
"I now challenge you to rescind your decision to allow for more time to gather more information,” said SGA co-president Braxton Simpson.
The majority of speakers, who included teachers of the year, students and parents, asked the board to reinstate Taylor.
"I stand here today in support of my principal, a leader that has helped me to grow more than any other leader I’ve worked for in that building,” said Julie Pinto, Marietta City Schools Teacher of the Year.
A few speakers said they supported the board's decision to change her job description.
“I trust the process. I trust your judgement,” one person said.
Board member Jeriene Grimes motioned to reinstate the principal.
“I felt like there was enough people that had a genuine concern as to the decision that was made,” Grimes said.
Board chairman Jason Waters seconded it, then voted against it. The final vote was 5-2, meaning the motion failed.
One man was so upset with the decision that police were called to calm the tense situation. Police eventually escorted him out of the room.
Supporters, after the meeting, said it was disappointing. Some said they didn’t feel their opinions were considered, and others said lawsuits could be on their way.
Cox Media Group
